Negligence is a key part of many personal injury cases. If you or a loved one have been injured in Lawrenceville, negligence will be foundational for determining liability and compensation in your case.
A personal injury lawyer can help you prove negligence after a personal injury. Whether you sustained injuries in an auto accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is Negligence in Lawrenceville, Georgia?
Negligence is a legal term that refers to someone’s failure to behave as a reasonably prudent person would in similar circumstances. Someone is negligent when their careless actions harm or injure another person. From a distracted driver causing a car accident to a property owner neglecting a slippery floor, causing a fall, negligence is a pivotal part of personal injury cases. It forms the basis for holding someone liable for the harm they caused you.
Elements of Negligence
It is not enough to simply allege someone was negligent; you must prove it.
There are four main elements that must be proven to establish someone was negligent:
- Duty of Care: You must show the person allegedly responsible for your injuries, known as the defendant, had a legal obligation to act a certain way toward you. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws to keep other drivers or passengers safe.
- Breach of Duty: You must show the defendant failed to meet this obligation. For example, in slip and fall cases, this may involve showing that the property owner was aware of a hazardous condition but did nothing about it.
- Causation: You must show that the defendant’s actions directly caused your injuries and losses. This often requires expert testimony, especially in complex cases like medical malpractice.
- Damages: You must show you suffered actual harm or injury as a result. This can include medical bills, proof of lost wages, or documentation of pain and suffering.
It can be difficult to prove negligence after your injury. A personal injury lawyer can help you establish the elements of negligence for compensation in your case.
Examples of Negligence in Lawrenceville Personal Injury Cases
Negligence occurs in many different types of personal injury cases, including the following:
Auto Accidents
In auto accidents, negligence may involve a driver not following traffic laws, such as running a red light or speeding, and causing a collision. Drivers owe a duty of care to others to drive safely, and breaching this duty can harm others.
Medical Malpractice
In medical negligence cases, negligence may occur when healthcare professionals fail to provide the medical care that a competent professional would in similar circumstances, causing you harm. Examples include surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or improper medication dosage.
Premises Liability Accidents
In premises liability accidents, negligence may involve a property owner failing to maintain safe premises, causing accidents. Property owners have a duty to mitigate hazards or warn guests and patrons about them. Examples include wet floors or even stairs.
Workplace Accidents
In workplace accidents, negligence may occur when an employer fails to provide safe working conditions, adequate training, or working equipment, leading to injuries. Employers have a duty of care to provide safe workplaces.
Product Liability
In product liability cases, negligence may occur when a manufacturer or seller puts out defective products, which cause injury. Examples include a car with faulty brakes that led to an accident or an electronic device that caused burns.
A Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer can help you establish negligence regardless of the type of accident that caused your injury.
What Damages Occur in Lawrenceville Negligence Cases?
You must show that you suffered harm or injury from negligent conduct. Your harms or injuries are called your “damages” and are often tied to the compensation you may receive.
The three main categories of damages include:
- Economic Damages: These are quantifiable losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: These are damages awarded to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in egregious cases.
A Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate your damages after a personal injury in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Contact a Lawrenceville Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Negligence is a key concept in personal injury law. If you or a loved one have been injured in Lawrenceville, proving negligence is crucial for securing compensation for injuries. An experienced lawyer at Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys can help you do this with evidence and protect your rights along the way. Schedule a free consultation today with a Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer at 678-446-3655 to learn more about negligence and holding at-fault parties accountable.